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Restoring our history and turning back time
South Norwood's best known landmark is to be cleaned and restored to mark its centenary. In 2007 it was 100 years since the High Street's clocktower was unveiled as a gift to the district's famous former resident and benefactor, William Ford Stanley. The clocktower was built in 1907 by local residents to celebrate the golden wedding anniversary of William Stanley and his wife Eliza. William Stanley was a popular inventor, architect, painter and photographer who made South Norwood his home.
He left a lasting legacy to residents when he designed and built the Victorian styled community building Stanley Halls and Stanley Technical Trade School, later renamed Harris City Technology College. The school also celebrated its centenary in 2007, whilst Stanley Halls marked 100 years in 2003.
William Ford Stanley was a significant figure in South Norwood's history and it is only fitting that they celebrated his life and the lasting legacy he left for local people in this way. As a former pupil of Stanley Tech it is a matter! close to my heart and I know my feelings are shared by many. "The clocktower is a well known landmark in the area which we want to preserve for generations to come. By arranging for it to be restored we can ensure that it stands as proud today as it did when it was first unveiled to Mr and Mrs Stanley 100 years ago."
Born in 1829, William Stanley embodied the age in which he lived with his fascination for engineering and invention, his enthusiasm for mechanical progress and his charitable leanings.
He was a self made man who raised himself from poverty to success through his technical skills. He was an accomplished inventor and creator or scientific instruments, an architect, an amateur painter, a local philanthropist and art collector. Stanley moved to Norwood in 1867 and opened the halls in South Norwood Hill in 1903 to provide his local community with a public space for plays, concerts and lectures. It still includes a concert hall suitable for theatre performances, wedding receptions, meetings and social functions. When Stanley died in 1909, Norwood mourned him and flags were flown at half mast, shops closed and local people drew their curtains as a mark of respect.